Dattitude with Jim Derry

We are well aware of how tough it would be to find positivity from the New Orleans Saints, who will be trying to avoid a seven-game losing streak (which would be the first for the team since 1999). Still, with quarterback Derek Carr’s return, is there any hope remaining at all? Jim Derry asks that and much more of FOX-8’s Garland Gillen on an All Saints Day version of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 304) presented by Evangeline Securities. We also answer questions from fans such as: “Will Dennis Allen be fired if the Saints lose this weekend? What would it take for Mickey Loomis to leave? Should they tank to get a better draft pick? (Eye roll.)” We also talk about Tulane’s victory at Charlotte on Thursday night, LSU’s upcoming game vs. Alabama and the struggles of the New Orleans Pelicans and unrealistic expectations and wants of local fans.

Things are most certainly bad for the New Orleans Saints, but when you are more than a touchdown favorite on the road following a six-game losing streak, that screams “It could be worse!” We talk about where the Saints are and their upcoming divisional game at the Carolina Panthers. Also, we ask the question: If they don’t win this one, is that the end of the line for Coach Dennis Allen? What else could happen to force a move by the team in-season? Also, it was another rough night for the Pelicans, and it is time for our best bets of the week on Thursday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 303) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim Derry welcomes in Bet.NOLA.com’s Gabe Henderson to hear his top play, as well as Uncle Big Nick and his weekly five best bets.

It has been 6 straight weeks of misery for the New Orleans Saints, but the immediate future looks bright with the likely return of starting quarterback Derek Carr against a team in much worse shape than they are: NFC South rival Carolina. In the grand scheme of things, though, how much happier will Who Dats be if they improve from 2-6 to 3-6? Could this potentially be the start of a run with games at home the next 2 weeks vs. Atlanta and Jameis Winston’s Cleveland Browns? We’ll talk amongst ourselves on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 302) presented by Evangeline Securities. The Athletic’s Larry Holder joins host Jim Derry, who also holds his weekly segment, “Wednesdays with Gabe Henderson.” Jim also touches on the Pelicans, who have now dropped two games in a row, and Tulane’s Halloween game at Charlotte.

If you have been a Saints fan for longer than a quarter-century, then you remember the miserable days of former coach Mike Ditka and his final season of 1999 when the Black and Gold had guys like the Billy Joes running the offense, as they struggled to score 14 to 17 points per game. It’s starting to feel like that again under Coach Dennis Allen. Has the team given up on him? Can the veterans pull together and make something out of nothing? Will Derek Carr’s return mean anything at this point? As the team hits the midway point of the season, there are way more questions than answers, although we do our best on “Mano E Monday” in asking the fans what they think on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 301) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, in our “Mondays with Gabe Henderson” segment, it wasn;t much better for LSU on Saturday.

In September 2021, the Dattitude Podcast was launched with the idea we would be different than other shows that covered sports in and around southeast Louisiana. Sure, we focused on the Saints with leans to LSU, the Pelicans and Tulane, among other topics, but we wanted to find a way to give the viewers and listeners a voice. It may have taken a while, and although we started as an audio-only podcast, we have evolved to what the original vision was: And that is to talk to you. On milestone Episode 300 presented by Evangeline Securities, host Jim Derry brings in three regular commenters onto the show as guests. Also, he continues to read comments from other regulars and new members of the Dattitude Family, as we all try to figure out how to fix the New Orleans Saints and predict the outcome of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

There are so many things to talk about Thursday, but first we ask: What else can go wrong for the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite winning their season opener against the Chicago Bulls, they lose their top free agent in Dejounte Murray likely for “several weeks” with a broken hand. Meanwhile, the Saints seem to be getting healthier (Taysom Hill, Chris Olave, Cesar Ruiz and Pete Werner), but is it too late to care, as they prepare for the Los Angeles Chargers? Also, Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU Tigers are on the road for the second week in a row and are slight underdogs at Texas A&M, where one of the two teams will be the only remaining undefeated team in SEC play after Saturday’s game. It's a jam-packed Thursday Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 299) presented by Evangeline Securities, and Jim Derry has plenty to say. He also welcomes in Bet.NOLA.com’s Gabe Henderson to hear his top play of the week, as well as Uncle Big Nick for his weekly five best bets. (He has been hot!)

We have had time to cool down from the Saints’ second consecutive blowout loss at home, and now the team is preparing for a trip out west to play the Los Angeles Chargers. Do we still have any hope for this team, or are you rooting for it to end as soon as possible? The future of Dennis Allen, the contract extension for Alvin Kamara, the potential return of Derek Carr … Yep, there’s plenty to talk about on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 298) presented by Evangeline Securities. Host Jim Derry will chat about it with The Athletic’s Larry Holder, as well as “Wednesdays with Gabe Henderson.” Also, Jim will tell you how you – the listener – can be a guest on Friday’s special Episode No. 300, and he will give you a brief preview of the New Orleans Pelicans’ season opener Wednesday night at home against the Chicago Bulls.

There are certain games or a group of games in particular seasons what will go down in New Orleans Saints lore as a time in which you knew change was coming. It’s probably safe to say Thursday’s humiliating 33-10 loss to Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos was one of those moments. Coach Dennis Allen looked defeated in his postgame press conference, and the players on the field looked defeated in the first quarter. The injuries are mounting, and who knows when this string of losses will end? What do the fans think? We asked on a special “Mano E Friday” edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 297) presented by Evangeline Securities. Host Jim Derry also played clips from Allen’s press conference, as well as comments from Alvin Kamara and a couple of questions Jim had for Payton after the game. Also, Jim shares his thoughts on Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, and Gabe Henderson joined in on what might be next for the Black and Gold.

In case you have been living under a rock and missed it, Broncos coach Sean Payton returns to the Caesars Superdome on Thursday night to face his old team that he once led to a Lombardi Trophy. So the question is: Are you Who Dats going to boo him or cheer when he is announced? Maybe a more important question is: Will Dennis Allen’s defense show up on a short week after getting blasted by an average Tampa Bay team just 4 days ago? In other words, Jim Derry has plenty of questions for The Athletic’s Larry Holder on Thursday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 296) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, the duo will make their picks for the game, and Gabe Henderson and Uncle Big Nick’s best bets of the week will be revealed, as well as a plethora of comments from our “Dattitude Family” throughout the previously live show.

If it seems like it was just a few weeks ago many Who Dats were talking about how great this Saints defense was and they couldn’t wait to see how dominating they would be with Chase Young at defensive end … well, that’s because it was just a few weeks ago. Here we are now, and the unit is dead last in the NFL in yards allowed per game, and they seemingly couldn’t tackle a turtle on concrete. What has changed, and can it improve before this season is too far gone? How much of this is attributes to Dennis Allen, and what about Mickey Loomis’ comments backing his head coach? There’s plenty to talk about on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 295) presented by Evangeline Securities. We also spend time with Gabe Henderson and chat about LSU’s annual game against Arkansas for “The Boot,” and ask if the Tigers can hold on to the momentum they have following last week’s win over Ole Miss.

Remember when the New Orleans Saints were 2-0 and everything was right with the world? Yeah, me too. Fun times. That seems like years ago. Four weeks later, we’re here following a second consecutive embarrassing loss, and many fans are saying Coach Dennis Allen may have lost this team. We hear from many of those Who Dats after the Saints 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on our weekly “Mano E Monday,” of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 294) presented by Evangeline Securities. Host Jim Derry shares his thoughts and responds to the fans’ reactions on Allen, the NFL debut of quarterback Spencer Rattler and where the Saints might go from here. Also, it’s Monday’s with Gabe Henderson, as we also look back on LSU’s stunning comeback win in overtime against Ole Miss and who is up next on the docket for the 5-1 Tigers.

It seems like Saints fans can’t get enough talk about quarterback Spencer Rattler, as we prepare for his first NFL start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What should we expect, and can we coerce one podcast host to change the name of his show if The Rat comes through his first test with flying colors? Indeed, Jim Derry is thinking of what would need to happen to turn the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 293) presented by Evangeline Securities into “Rattitude.” WWL-TV sports director Doug Mouton is here to share the fun, as he makes a prediction on the game with Jim and talks about a crazy weekend of sports around south Louisiana. Speaking of crazy, what about LSU and Ole Miss? Oregon-Ohio State? Texas-Oklahoma? Jayden Daniels and his Washington Commanders facing off against two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens? But most of all … yes … Spencer Rattler.

It's time to celebrate, boys and girls! Spencer Rattler has been named starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a franchise is ready to be saved! Well, it seems as if that’s what many Who Dats think, anyway. They were loud and proud on Thursday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 292) presented by Evangeline Securities, and challenged host Jim Derry at every turn when he asked them WHY it makes a difference who is starting with Derek Carr out due to an injured oblique. Why is Rattler better than Jake Haener? And since it is Thursday, as always, Bet.NOLA.com Sports Director Tom Casale Gabe Henderson and Uncle Big Nick are here for their best bets of the week, as we have heated up in October as promised. Can they keep it going with the best of college football in Week 7 and NFL Week 6?

Well, we knew as soon as there was one performance in which the New Orleans Saints were never really in it, the haters would come crawling from below the rotten wood deck like roaches crawling out of the dark, steamy concrete into the light during the middle of a French Quarter summer night. And here they are. Following the 26-13 Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Who Dats were loud and proud on a special “Mano E Tuesday,” of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 291) presented by Evangeline Securities. Of course, host Jim Derry had plenty of responses to the hundreds of comments we received this morning. Will their thoughts change much if the Saints get it together and defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday to get back to .500 – or God forbid if they win the next two games at home (including against Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos a week from Thursday) and are at 4-3? There’s only one way to find out …

The injury list is daunting for the New Orleans Saints, but many fans are still confident the team can upset the two-time defending Super Bowl champ Chiefs in Kansas City on Monday Night Football. What does host Jim Derry think? It’s a different kind of “Mano E Monday,” as the listeners of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 287) presented by Evangeline Securities are making their predictions and sharing thoughts. Also, “Mondays with Gabe Henderson” include thoughts on this past weekend in college football and his own prediction for Saints-Chiefs. Lastly, Jim shares thoughts on the crazy upsets in college with Vanderbilt beating Alabama and Arkansas defeating Tennessee. He also talks about where he thinks the NFC South race stands and what the hierarchy in the conference currently is in his opinion.

Although no official injury report has been issues as we type this, it’s pretty clear it will impact the New Orleans Saints. The thing is, this week’s opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, also have their issues in missing their top two offensive players not named Patrick Mahomes in Isiah Pacheco and Rashee Rice. Locally, will Taysom Hill, Demario Davis, Willie Gay and Cesar Ruiz be back in the lineup? Jim Derry has the game in his best bets on Thursday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 289) presented by Evangeline Securities, as does Bet.NOLA.com Sports Director Tom Casale. Who do they have? Also, Uncle Big Nick has his top five plays, as well as Gabe Henderson with his top play of the week.

Although we planned on spending most of Wednesday talking about Derek Carr’s chances of beating Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, somehow most of the attention turned into the prospect of Davante Adams being traded from the Las Vegas Raiders. Oh, and somewhere from the cracks, the Carr and Dennis Allen haters crawled out and had plenty to say on a spirited Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 288) presented by Evangeline Securities. We also discussed the potential of what might happen if Alvin Kamara doesn’t sign a deal with Saints before the end of this fiscal season. Also, Jim brought back the ‘Extra Point’ to share his disgust of Pete Rose dying before he was enshrined into Baseball’s Hall of Fame, and it was ‘Wednesday’s with Gabe Henderson’ X2, as Gabe had thoughts early in the show and on Rose.

Is the New Orleans Saints 26-24 loss Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons the game Who Dats will look back upon in December and say, “Only if they hadn’t made one of those three giant mistakes?” Well, what mistakes are you talking about Jim Derry? We get into quickly on “Mano E Monday,” as the listeners of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 287) presented by Evangeline Securities chime in and share their opinions with Jim, as well as “Mondays with Gabe Henderson.” Some we think are spot on, and others, well, not so much. (And if you’re going to come at the host with “Derek Carr sucks” or “Dennis Allen is the worst coach in the NFL,” you probably need to have receipts.) Are there reasons to be optimistic as the focus will soon shift toward playing the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs? Why do the oddsmakers think the Saints have a chance? Lastly, we briefly touch on convincing wins by LSU over South Alabama and Tulane over South Florida, as well as a prediction for Seattle at Detroit in Monday Night Football.

Last week at this time, we were talking about the New Orleans Saints potentially taking over the NFC South early. They still have a huge opportunity this week against the rival Atlanta Falcons, but with the 2-time defending Chiefs on the docket next week, this becomes even more important. Is this a Bijan Robinson vs. Alvin Kamara game? Jim Derry and The Athletic's Larry Holder will preview it and make their pick on Friday's Dattitude (Ep. 286) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also will take a look at some of the weekend's top NFL matchups.

Several key Saints landed on the Wednesday injury report, including the likes of Demario Davis, Alvin Kamara and Cesar Ruiz to go with Erik McCoy, who will miss 6 to 8 weeks. Can the team overcome these injuries, and how many of them could be out Sunday? And what about the Atlanta Falcons, who have offensive line injuries of their own? Jim Derry will preview the game on Thursday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 285) presented by Evangeline Securities, as well as LSU-South Alabama and Tulane-South Florida. Of course, we’ll have our regular “Best Bets Thursday” segments with with Bet.NOLA.com Sports Director Tom Casale, Uncle Big Nick and Gabe Henderson, who takes a break from vacation to offer his top play of the week.

The New Orleans Saints received a huge blow when it was learned center Erik McCoy would need surgery for his groin injury and miss up to 8 weeks. Is it something the team can get around, or could this be a major problem? Host Jim Derry debates the question with NOLA.com Saints editor Zach Ewing on Wednesday's Dattitude (Ep. 284) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim also has a brief lookahead to LSU-South Alabama and life without Harold Perkins on an already maligned defense. And can Tulane start AAC play fast when they host South Florida on Saturday?

It's only Week 3 in the NFL, and already asking, “Which Saints are the real Saints?” Is it the one that destroyed the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, or the one that gave up 460 yards of total offense and could muster just 12 points (despite plenty of gifts) on Sunday at home against the Philadelphia Eagles? Of course, there are reasons why it was a tough day for the Black and Gold, who missed Taysom Hill from the start and center Erik McCoy for nearly the entire game. How big an impact are those two (duh), and can they win without them if they have to? Host Jim Derry asks the listeners of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 283) presented by Evangeline Securities, on “Mano E Monday.” Also, Jim plays clips from Coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr to see if we can read anything through the lines.

September or not, very few thought the New Orleans Saints would host a game that could determine early control of the NFC. But that's where we are in Week 3 as the Philadelphia Eagles come to town. As they do each Friday morning, Jim Derry and The Athletic's Larry Holder preview the game on Dattitude (Ep. 282). They also will take a look at some of the weekend's top NFL matchups.

Can Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints do it again against Jalen Hurts and the fighting-mad Philadelphia Eagles? Interestingly, on “Best Bets Thursday,” two of our prognosticators has this game in their picks, but which way did they go? What’s the injury report look like? Host Jim Derry previews Saints-Eagles, as well as LSU-UCLA and Tulane-UL with Bet.NOLA.com Sports Director Tom Casale, and Uncle Big Nick is back with his picks, as well. And Gabe Henderson has a Saints player prop for his No. 1 play on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 281) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, Tom goes in depth with not only his picks, but for the top four college football matchups of the week.

It has been 3 days since the New Orleans Saints demolished the Dallas Cowboys at Jerry World, and while the team has long begun preparing for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, Who Dats are still smiling and thinking about the recent past. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that! As a treat, host Jim Derry brings in “The Voice of the New Orleans Saints, Mike Hoss for Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 280) presented by Evangeline Securities, for his take on why this shocking start has made those around the NFL nation to take notice. Is it Klint Kubiak? Derek Carr? Alvin Kamara? The O-Line? The defense? Well, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. But why? Mike also talks about working with Saints legend Deuce McAllister, and whether it’s OK to dare dream about (gulp) a run to the Super Bowl, which will be played in New Orleans at the end of this season. Jim also has some thoughts on LSU-UCLA, Tulane-ULL and the new Pelicans TV deal, as well as “Wednesdays with Gabe Henderson” on Tulane’s potential move to the Pac-12 or Pac-8 or whatever they are.

The New Orleans Saints deserve an apology, so let’s give them plenty. After they steamrolled the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday to go to a very convincing 2-0, we are handing out deep fried crow po-boys (dressed any way you like). That’s right, Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Dennis Allen … and even Trevor Penning … come get ya some. And while host Jim Derry saves one of those savory sandwiches for himself, he also pokes a little fun at Cowboys fans along the way on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 279) presented by Evangeline Securities, as viewers and listeners weigh in plenty during “Mano E Monday.” Jim plays clips from a crying Cowboys fan, Allen, Carr and Kamara, and we ask, “Is it OK now to jump on the “Hype Train” with both feet? Oh, and what about the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles. (Maybe that can wait until Wednesday.)

Both the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys are 1-0 and coming off impressive wins in their season openers, so what does that mean for this huge early season game? Can the Saints offensive line protect Derek Carr and open holes for Alvin Kamara against one of the NFL’s better defensive fronts? Will the injuries for the Black and Gold linger into Sunday, and if so, how much does that change our predictions? How about Dak Prescott against one of the better secondaries in the league? It’s time for all of our predictions for the weekend, as Jim Derry and WWL-TV sports director Doug Mouton share their thoughts on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 278) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also will talk about the biggest games of Week 2 in the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion and picks for LSU-South Carolina and Tulane-Oklahoma.

The New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys both look to continue their momentum from Week 1, and the biggest question is "Are these teams really this good?" Jim Derry has initial thoughts on the game on Wednesday's Dattitude (Ep. 277), and we move "Best Bets Thursday" up a day due to the threat of Hurricane Francine. What are our picks for NFL Week 2 and College Football Week 3? Jim welcomes in Bet.NOLA.com's Tom Casale and Gabe Henderson, while Uncle Big Nick sends in his best bets.

Even the most optimistic Who Dat could not have predicted how well the New Orleans Saints would do in their 2024 season opener against the Carolina Panthers, as they scored a Week 1 franchise record 47 points in a 37-point rout. All this while quarterback Derek Carr was near perfect, and Alvin Kamara looked like, well, Alvin Kamara. Host Jim Derry wastes no time savoring the victory on Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 276) presented by Evangeline Securities, as he holds court with viewers and listeners in “Mano E Monday.” What do fans think, and how do we avoid “Overreaction Monday?” (Or maybe we don’t?) Jim plays clips from Coach Dennis Allen, Carr, Kamara and cornerback Alontae Taylor, who set a team record Sunday for sacks in a game by a defensive back. And we briefly look ahead to next week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys and ask if this can continue on against a much better opponent.

Hey Who Dats, we’ve made it! Opening Day for the New Orleans Saints is Sunday, and the biggest question is not whether they will defeat the Carolina Panthers, but rather: Is this a must win? We know it’s Week 1, but have you seen the schedule for the 5 weeks that follow? Yikes. Also, as we have done for the past three seasons, on NFL Fridays, we preview the biggest games in the NFL and share our predictions. Jim Derry has our Friday friend, The Athletic’s Larry Holder, join us for the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 275) presented by Evangeline Securities to lend his expertise. Also, we hear from plenty of listeners who were part of the live show, and Jim and Larry finish it off by offering their picks for the AFC and NFC championship games, as well as who will play in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February and who will hold the Lombardi Trophy. (Spoiler alert: Both pick the same two teams to make it and the same team to win. Uh oh.)

We’ve made it to the opening night of the 2024 NFL season, but more importantly, it’s the first Thursday before football kicks off in both leagues. That means it’s time for our first “Best Bets Thursday” of the year. As he will each Thursday for the next 20-plus weeks, Jim Derry welcomes in Uncle Big Nick (back for his fourth season), as well as Bet.NOLA.com’s Tom Casale and Gabe Henderson on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 274) presented by Evangeline Securities. Should we look at favorites like Joe Burrow and the Bengals over the Patriots? What about the big one on Sunday night with Rams-Lions? One of our experts likes a side in the Alabama-South Florida game, and another is talking Oregon-Boise State.

Hey Saints fans, it's time to wrap up our annual NFL Division Previews and Predictions with a look at the NFC South, and our main questions are: Can the Saints can surprise many pundits by winning the division? Will the defending champ Tampa Bay Bucs do it again? What about the favorite Atlanta Falcons? Are Falcons gonna Falcon? Jim Derry and The Athletic’s Larry Holder get into it on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 273) presented by Evangeline Securities. They will preview each team in depth and offer their predictions at the end of the show. Also, Jim says it's a bit too early to hate on LSU coach Brian Kelly, but Sunday's loss to USC sure was one giant disappointment for the Tigers. On “Wednesdays with Gabe Henderson,” we talk about the instant social media reactions … and overreactions.

In our continuing series on previewing the NFL division by division, it's time for part 7 of 8, as we look at the NFC North. Jim Derry and Larry Holder preview the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings and make our predictions on Dattitude (Ep. 272) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim also reviews Tulane's dominating 52-0 win over SLU, and Gabe Henderson joins the show to lookahead to LSU vs. USC and the first full weekend of college football action, including Clemson at Georgia and Notre Dame at Texas A&M.

As the New Orleans Saints shift their focus from the preseason and the cutdown to a 53-man roster, they made a few moves since Tuesday. Will the trade for John Ridgeway improve the defensive line, and how does the addition of ex-Vikings specialist Kene Nwangwu affect the team? The good news is CBs Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry returned to practice, as well as WR Rashid Shaheed. Will there be a few more before the Saints open the regular season at home in the Dome against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8? Host Jim Derry talks about that, and he previews LSU’s season-opening game in Las Vegas against the USC Trojans on Sunday and Tulane starting with Southeastern on Thursday at Yulman on Thursday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 271) presented by Evangeline Securities. Bet.NOLA.com’s Tom Casale and Gabe Henderson are here to help break it down and offer a few plays for Week 1 of the college football season.

Has there ever been this much debate on who should be a backup quarterback? The question of Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener – if nothing else – has breathed interest into an otherwise uneventful preseason. But now the regular season is upon us, and decisions must be made for these New Orleans Saints, including with cut-down day on Tuesday. Along with QB2, there’s the question of which wide receivers will make the team: AT Perry, rookie Bub Means and veteran Equanimeous St. Brown or two of the three? Also, have the Saints backed themselves into a corner to where they MUST start Trevor Penning? As he does each “Mano E Monday”, host Jim Derry talks to and with the audience, and we hear clips from Coach Dennis Allen, Rattler, Haener and Samson Nacua on his incredible near-109-yard field-goal return against the Titans in the preseason finale. It all comes on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 270) presented by Evangeline Securities, which includes “Mondays with Gabe Henderson” and the “Extra Point,” which talks a little Tulane and LSU football.

The New Orleans Saints are just a few days away from the preseason finale – their only home exhibition game – Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. The good news is key players like Alvin Kamara, Taliese Fuaga, Juwan Johnson and Pete Werner are back on the field. However, the DNP list remains long. Before we get to Part 6 of our third annual NFL team-by-team previews and take a look at the NFC West, we’ll talk about the home team for an extended period of time. Then we’ll ask if anyone can unseat Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the San Francisco 49ers. It’s the usual Friday suspects on Wednesday this week, as The Athletic’s Larry Holder joins host Jim Derry on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 269) presented by Evangeline Securities. And if there is a surprise, would it be Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks or Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals?

How could it be that one can feel better about the New Orleans Saints following a 16-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday than after the win over the Arizona Cardinals last week? It’s easy: Preseason scores don’t matter, but the play from the first teamers do. Not only was quarterback Derek Carr much better this week, but so was the offensive line, and more specifically, tackle Trevor Penning. The play calling from offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak might have showed a glimpse into what to expect for the regular season with a heavy dose of Taysom Hill, Jamaal Williams and the run game. Also, the first-team defense was dominating, and tackle Bryan Bresee is the most improved player on the team thus far. Host Jim Derry talks to and with the audience, and we hear clips from Coach Dennis Allen, Carr and Bresee on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 268) presented by Evangeline Securities. It’s also time for “Mondays with Gabe Henderson,” and Jim finishes the show with his “Extra Point,” honoring the life of New Orleans sports media icon Ed Daniels, who passed away Friday.

The New Orleans Saints are set to play preseason game No. 2 on Sunday, and it’s likely the starters will see a decent amount of time. But beyond the major concerns of all those who are missing time in practice, there are other questions: Does Trevor Penning still have a leg up at right tackle? Will Spencer Rattler do as well playing with the 1s and 2s? How much does he share time with Jake Haener on Sunday? Is the defense really THAT good? Does the Justin Simmons signing with Atlanta make it so the Saints can make other moves? We’ll ask these questions before we get to Part 5 of our third annual NFL team-by-team previews, looking at the NFC East. Can Dak Prescott put the offense of the Dallas Cowboys on his shoulders, and how big a deal is the CeeDee Lamb situation? The roster of the Philadelphia Eagles might be the best in the NFL, so why did they flounder last season? Jim Derry is back with his Friday partner Larry Holder and their NFC East crystal ball on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 267) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also ask if Jayden Daniels can make football fun again for fans of the Washington Commanders and whether Daniel Jones and the New York Giants can avoid the cellar.

We had such an outpouring of debate on both the Trevor Penning debacle and the debate of who should be QB2 – Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener – we decided to extend the conversation into another show. This time, Jim Derry has brings in a fellow local sports talk host, Eric Asher, to get a fresh take on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 266) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also on “Wednesdays with Gabe,” Jim and Gabe Henderson shares some thoughts on the newest AP college football poll. Lastly, just days after the Olympic Games in Paris ended, in the “Extra Point,” Jim goes back 85 years to the first-ever gold-medal 19-8 – yes, 19-8 – victory for the United State in basketball. It came over Canada, and it was outdoors on clay and sand in the muck and the mud.

Sure, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Saturday’s preseason opener in the desert, but what does it really mean? There were some positives (Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, Chase Young, Willie Gay and the defense), but there some negatives, too (Trevor Penning and the first-string offense). How much should we put stock into these little snippets of time? We hear from Coach Dennis Allen, who is more candid than one might have expected, and share our opinions on all these topics, including a long debate with listeners on Haener vs. “The Rat Train.” Is the hype on Rattler a bit much? What about the kicker battle between Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth? Host Jim Derry talks to and with the audience, and it’s time for “Mondays with Gabe Henderson” on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 265) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim finishes the show with his “Extra Point” that looks at other young quarterbacks around the league who also might be getting their own hype.

The New Orleans Saints open their preseason on Saturday, and we still don’t have much of a clue on how much the starters will play. Will Derek Carr even play at all? How will the team get through with only six healthy receivers? Will Trevor Penning shake off tough camp? We’ll ask these questions before we get to Part 4 of our third annual NFL team-by-team previews, looking at the AFC South. Will CJ Stroud be able to repeat his Rookie of the Year performance, and can the Houston Texans continue their rise from nowhere in 2022 to 2023 to again this season? Can Anthony Richardson make a healthy return and help Coach Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts have another winning season? Jim Derry is back with his Friday partner Larry Holder and their AFC South crystal ball on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 264) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also ask if Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars can overcome a brutal schedule – especially the start – and whether the Tennessee Titans can avoid the cellar.

The LSU football Tigers are just 25 days away from their 2024 season opener in Las Vegas against the USC Trojans. How is Garrett Nussmeier coming along at quarterback, and what about Harold Perkins and the defense? Can LSU get through the early part of the schedule and get to the Ole Miss game at 5-0 and keep their chances going for a shot at the 12-team playoff? Host Jim Derry brings in our own Wilson Alexander on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 263) presented by Evangeline Securities to discuss answer these questions, and on “Wednesdays with Gabe,” Jim and Gabe Henderson have fun with their LSU football Mt. Rushmores, and they share a few from the audience. We also offer a Saints camp update and talk about the newly released depth chart heading into the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. In the “Extra Point,” Jim goes back 31 years to when 46-year-old Nolan Ryan beat the ever-loving snot out of 26-year old Robin Ventura.

Without blasting last year’s offensive coaching staff, running back Jamaal Williams says there are many reasons to be excited about the new one that is being led by coordinator Klint Kubiak. It’s a reason for him to be happy and excited about the 2024 New Orleans Saints, as that’s all he really wants … oh, and to be able to go home and spend time with his cats and daughter. Meanwhile, Coach Dennis Allen had good things to say about his offense from this past weekend’s worth of training camp practices, although he was a bit concerned with penalties. As for the mounting injuries, Allen said it’s critical guys like guard Nick Saldiveri get themselves out of the training room and onto the field. This likely goes double for running back Kendre Miller, who could be losing his job to Jordan Mims. Host Jim Derry goes through all that solo with clips from Williams, Allen and Mims, as well as plenty of comments from viewers. And there’s “Mondays with Gabe Henderson” the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 262) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point’ that looks back 57 years to the Saints’ first-ever preseason game and first appearance in that beautiful black and gold.

There’s some breaking camp news for the New Orleans Saints on Friday morning, including the release of a quarterback and the signing of two wide receivers. Does this mean Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler have locked up spots and one of the two will be the backup to Derek Carr in 2024? What’s up with the injuries to the receiving corps? Time to get up to speed on what’s going on with the Black and Gold, and then there’s Part 3 of our third annual NFL team-by-team previews, looking at the AFC North. Will Lamar Jackson be able to put together another MVP-like performance, and will the addition of running back Derrick Henry be enough to push the Baltimore Ravens over the top? Can Joe Burrow stay healthy and give the Cincinnati Bengals a chance to go from worst to first in the division? Jim Derry is back with his Friday partner Larry Holder with their AFC North crystal ball on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 261) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also ask if the Cleveland Browns can win again with defense and – maybe – a healthy Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb? And is the year Mike Tomlin has his first-ever losing season with the Pittsburgh Steelers?

One of the big stories of training camp for the New Orleans Saints so far has been the injuries. Star wide receiver Chris Olave, one of the NFL’s top cornerback’s Marshon Lattimore, RB2 Kendre Miller and more. Should we be super concerned or is this just an early preseason bump in the road? That being said, there are bright spots in wide receiver Mason Tipton, running back Jordan Mims, and defensive end Chase Young looks ready to go. Which current reserve offensive lineman could find their way into the starting lineup? Lucas Patrick for the injured Nick Saldiveri? Landon Young for Trevor Penning? Move Taliese Fuaga back to right tackle? Host Jim Derry went brings in Ross Jackson of the “Locked on Saints Podcast” on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 260) presented by Evangeline Securities to discuss all these topics, and Jim has plenty to say before Ross joins. Also, producer Gabe Henderson has presents some “top” and “bottom” lists, while Jim’s ‘Extra Point’ goes back 24 years to the day the Saints traded for quarterback Aaron Brooks.

We’re not sure which is getting more hype so far this offseason and into training camp: Taysom Hill with the new Saints offense or the attention being placed on the running game? What does Hill think, and does he seem OK with the changes Dennis Allen and Klint Kubiak have in store? And what about the running game? Will it be THAT different? Who will step up on offense that we might not be focusing on right now? Oh, and there are quite a few candidates who could have a breakout-type season on defense. Will it be Payton Turner? Host Jim Derry goes solo with plenty of comments from show producer Gabe Henderson and our listeners on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 259) presented by Evangeline Securities, and he has many thoughts, as well as sound clips from Hill, Allen and Turner. Also, he opens with his opinion on the uproar of the Olympics Opening Ceremonies and ends the show with his ‘Extra Point’ that focuses on the absurdity of quarterback contracts in the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints have wrapped up their third day of training camp, and there is plenty to talk about including how the offensive line depth chart is looking, running back Kendre Miller’s hamstring injury, whether Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener has a leg up in the quarterback race and the defense is looking good to start. And then there’s Part 2 of our third annual NFL team-by-team previews, looking at the AFC West. The obvious question is if any team can challenge Patrick Mahomes at the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Will Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos take a step forward with Bo Nix at quarterback? Jim Derry is back with his Friday partner Larry Holder with their AFC West crystal ball on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 258) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also ask if Los Angeles Chargers new coach Jim Harbaugh has given enough help to Justin Herbert and if the Las Vegas Raiders can be a surprise.

The New Orleans Saints opened training camp in Irvine, Calif., on Wednesday morning, and we have a ton of questions – some obvious and some not so much. First, if Alvin Kamara is participating in practices, does that mean he and the team are close to a new deal? What about the love fest between the players and Coach Dennis Allen? Is it real? Will the offense get it together under coordinator Klint Kubiak? Will the defense fix some glaring problems? And will the team be able to navigate through the first six games. Host Jim Derry went to our top source at NOLA.com in Saints Editor Zach Ewing on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 257) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, in Jim’s ‘Extra Point,’ he says Joe Burrow sporting a new buzzcut signals the next chapter in his career and maybe a next step for the Cincinnati Bengals. The new “Real Slim Shady?”

It's official: New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will miss the entire 2024 season and his future in football is in serious doubt. So does that mean it’s set in stone first-round pick Taliese Fuaga will begin the year as the starting left tackle and Trevor Penning will be at right tackle? Will Nick Saldiveri start at left guard? Does the extension of Rashid Shaheed help solidify the wide receiving corps? What about LSU? They were predicted to finish fifth in the SEC – is that too high, too low or just right? Is their schedule one of the easier ones in the league? Host Jim Derry asks these questions of Monday’s guest, Garland Gillen of FOX-8 Sports. Just 2 days before the start of Saints training camp, there’s plenty to talk about on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 256) presented by Evangeline Securities, and Jim finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point’ that focuses on the embarrassment and near-monumental upset of the US Men’s Basketball Team against the South Sudan this past weekend.

The time has come for us to begin our third annual NFL team-by-team previews, but this year we’re doing it a bit different. Instead, we’re going to do them division by division each Friday, and we’re opening here with our first of an eight-part series and the AFC East. Will Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills claim their fifth consecutive division title? Will Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins crack through and win it for the first time in 16 years? What about Aaron Rodgers – will he stay healthy? – and the New York Jets? And then there’s the New England Patriots … um, no. Jim Derry is not alone with his previews this season, as he is joined by Larry Holder with previews and predictions on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 255) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also will talk about the news of the day that New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is out for the season, and Jim shares his thoughts on Tiger Woods missing another cut in a major.